“What We Have Shared Is Actually a Big Secret”: Group Art Therapy With Divorced Single Mothers in Malaysia

Abstract

An Australian-Malaysian cross-cultural, group art therapy and focus group study located in Terengganu, Malaysia, explored the lived experience of women with responsibilities for raising their children alone, following divorce. This qualitative study had 2 aims: (a) to understand the women’s lived experiences, and (b) to determine their experience of group art therapy. The findings indicated that the women reported feelings of loneliness, lack of social supports, loss, and silent grief. Through art therapy they reported feelings of relief and the release of long-held emotions, improved self-expression, enhanced self-awareness, and experiences of mutual support and inner strength.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Patricia Fenner

Patricia Fenner is Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology and Public Health, at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Zakaria B. Mohamad

Zakaria B. Mohamad is Associate Professor, School of Social and Economic Development, at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu in Terengganu, Malaysia.